Design Guide
Wall Lights
in Kenya
Sconces, lanterns and wall washers from KES 3,500. The key question before choosing is the one most people don't ask first: is the fitting going indoors or outdoors? The answer determines everything else.
The First Decision
Indoor or outdoor?
Different worlds.
An indoor sconce lives in a controlled environment: stable temperature, no UV, no moisture beyond a bathroom splash. It is designed for comfort, character and mood. The hardware can be delicate, exposed bulbs, fabric shades, open brass arms.
An outdoor wall light faces Kenya's climate: direct sun, tropical rain, temperature swings between cold nights and 30°C afternoons. It must be IP65-rated minimum, fully sealed against dust and water jets. The body should be powder-coated aluminium, cast iron or marine-grade stainless. Anything less will corrode within months.
Never install an indoor fitting outdoors, even under a covered porch. The humidity alone, especially during the long rains, will destroy the electronics and void the warranty.
Indoor
- Sconces · Swing arms
- Vanity · Bedside · Staircase
- IP20 minimum (bathroom IP44)
- Decorative hardware acceptable
Outdoor
- Lanterns · Wall washers
- Entrance · Perimeter · Courtyard
- IP65 minimum (all weather)
- Sealed, UV-stable housing required
Indoors
Indoor wall lights, where they matter most
Wall lights are the layer between ceiling and floor, they fill the mid-wall zone, add depth and do specific jobs that no other fitting can.
01
Bathroom Vanity
One either side of the mirror
A single overhead light casts shadow directly onto the face, the most common bathroom lighting mistake. Side-mounted sconces at eye level (around 1.5 m), one on each side of the mirror, eliminate those shadows entirely. Use 3000–4000 K for accurate skin-tone rendering and choose IP44-rated fittings within 60 cm of water.
02
Bedroom Bedside
Mount at 1.4–1.6 m for reading height
Wall-mounted bedside lights free the entire surface of the bedside table, significant in smaller bedrooms. A swing-arm or pivoting sconce can be angled for reading and swung away for sleeping. Choose 2700 K warm white on a dimmer for full flexibility from task light to mood light in the same fitting.
03
Staircase & Hallway
Space 1.8–2.2 m apart vertically
A staircase lit only from the top leaves the lower treads in shadow, a safety issue as much as an aesthetic one. Wall sconces spaced evenly along the stair wall illuminate each run of steps. Use downward-facing fittings to wash light onto the treads. For corridors, the rhythm of repeated sconces transforms a utilitarian passage into a considered space.
Indoor Collections
Shop indoor wall lights by style
Click any card to explore. Shop button filters products by style.
Outdoors
Outdoor wall lights, the language of the exterior
Outdoor wall lights define how a property reads after dark, entrance presence, perimeter security, courtyard atmosphere. IP65-rated throughout.
Flanking or single centred
Entrance & Porch
Every 4–6 m for even coverage
Perimeter & Boundary Walls
Wall lights as anchors for the space
Courtyard & Pool Deck
Outdoor Collections
Shop outdoor wall lights by style
Also see: In-Ground & Flood Lights →
What to Budget
Wall light prices in Kenya
Budget for pairs, most applications (bathroom vanity, bedside, entrance flanking) require two fittings. Add KES 1,800–3,000 per circuit for a dimmer switch for indoor lights, which transforms the impact.
Outdoor fittings cost a premium over their indoor equivalents because of the sealed housing and UV-stable finishes, that premium is the cost of not replacing corroded fittings every two years.
Indoor
Outdoor (IP65)
Common Questions
Wall light FAQ
How high should a wall light be mounted?+
Bathroom vanity sconces go at eye level, around 1.5 m, one on each side of the mirror to eliminate face shadows. Bedside wall lights sit at 1.4–1.6 m for reading. Staircase sconces are spaced 1.8–2.2 m apart vertically so every run of steps is lit.
What IP rating do outdoor wall lights need in Kenya?+
IP65 is the minimum for any exposed exterior fitting — it withstands rain and dust. IP44 is acceptable only under a covered porch or eave. Bathroom sconces within 60 cm of water also need IP44 or better.
Why use two sconces at a bathroom mirror instead of one overhead light?+
A single light above the mirror casts shadows straight down onto the face — the most common bathroom lighting mistake. Sconces mounted at eye level on both sides light the face evenly. Use 3000–4000 K for accurate skin-tone rendering.
How far apart should perimeter wall lights be spaced?+
Every 4–6 m along a boundary wall gives an even light level for security and definition without hot spots. Add wall washers on feature sections to graze the wall texture itself.
How much do wall lights cost in Kenya?+
Indoor sconces start around KES 3,500 for vintage brass-and-glass and run to KES 12,000 for integrated-LED and swing-arm designs. Outdoor lanterns and wall washers are KES 4,800–16,000 depending on size and material.
Studio Service
Not sure which sconce or lantern fits your space?
Our designers visit, check wall heights, IP requirements and existing finishes, and give you an exact specification before you spend anything.